Police have vowed to crack down on errant bikers on North Tyneside after a large increase in the number of motorcycle disorder incidents in recent months.

More than 80 incidents have been reported since April in areas including Battle Hill, the Rising Sun Country Park and Wiltshire Gardens, and police now plan to seize motorbikes and prosecute offenders.

HONORARY AWARD: Rose Glover, head coach at Cowgate Trampoline Club, in Newcastle, is to be presented with a North East Gymnastics Association (NEGA) honorary award for services to gymnastics at the NEGA annual meeting today. The award is presented to those who have made a major contribution to coaching in the region for over ten years. Their involvement must include coaching at regional squad level and producing gymnasts and trampolinists at national and regional team level.

SUCCESSFUL SHOW: After its initial sell-out performance in March, more than half the available tickets have been sold for the re-run of The Customs House Youth Theatre Group's version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The show, which also features The Customs House Youth Dance Group, is on at the South Shields venue on Sunday, June 22. Tickets are available from the box office on 0191-454 1234.

VOLUNTEER PLEA: The County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted has recruited a volunteer co-ordinator to help build up a volunteer base, and is appealing for people to man its home visiting and driver/escort services, and to help raise funds. Anyone who can offer one or two hours a week or would like to arrange a fund-raising activity should ring Sue Hayles on 0191 386 8175.

NEW HOURS: From Monday, July 7, the Parkside area housing office at 48 Parkside Crescent, Seaham, will open between 9am and 4pm on Monday and 9am and 3.30pm on Friday. It will continue to take rent and council tax payments on both days. For details call 0191-581 1632.

BIG TODDLE: Chester-le-Street Sure Start is staging The Big Toddle for Barnardos at Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street on Saturday, June 28. The sponsored walk for pre-school children starts at about 10.30am. For details call 0191-3875907.

BEARS' PICNIC: Wheatley Hill Community School, in east Durham, staged its Mini Sure Start Teddy Bears' Picnic yesterday. There was a Charlie Chalk entertainer, face painting, free balloons and parent and toddler group activities and a visit from a police dog handler.

FLOWER DISPLAY: Cestrian Flower Club will hold a demonstration in Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street, on Thursday, July 3, at 7.15pm. Its is entitled Stars in your Eye and the demonstrator will be Philida Irving.